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Insiders Recipe for Din Tai Fungs Famous Cucumber Salad – Step by Step Instructions & Tips

Unlock the Secret: Learn Din Tai Fungs Famous Cucumber Salad Recipe with a Surprising Twist!

Din Tai Fung’s Famous Cucumber Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy rice vinegar, and savory soy sauce. But what sets it apart? The secret ingredient that gives it a tantalizing twist is yet to be revealed.

Cucumber salads are a staple in Asian cuisine, and the origins of this delicious appetizer dish can be traced back to ancient China. Din Tai Fung’s famous cucumber salad recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that make it a crowd favorite around the world.

The secret to the recipe’s success is the fresh, crisp English cucumbers paired with the perfect balance of salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. The addition of finely minced garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce add an explosion of umami flavors, while the optional chili oil spikes up the heat level. The crowning glory is the generous sprinkle of sesame seeds that add a nutty and satisfying crunch to the dish.

This cucumber salad was popularized by Din Tai Fung, a Taiwanese restaurant chain that has gained worldwide acclaim for its xiaolongbao, a type of steamed dumpling. However, this appetizer dish has also become a popular order at Din Tai Fung chain locations worldwide, as diners can’t resist the refreshing crunch and bold, flavorful dressing.

Whether you’re serving this delightful cucumber salad as a side dish or as a refreshing snack, it’s an excellent way to beat the heat on a hot summer day.

So why wait? Try this easy-to-make and fantastic-tasting cucumber salad recipe, and savor the flavors of Din Tai Fung’s famous cucumber salad in the comfort of your own home!

Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Din Tai Fungs Cucumber Salad

Choose the Right Cucumbers

English cucumbers are the best variety to use in this recipe as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them perfect for salads. You can find them in most grocery stores or at farmer’s markets.

Don’t Skip the Salting Step

Sprinkling salt over the sliced cucumbers before mixing them with the sauce is essential as it draws out the moisture. Drain the water from the cucumbers and gently press them down with a paper towel to remove any excess water before adding them to the dressing. This step ensures the cucumbers don’t become too watery and the salad will maintain its crisp texture.

Balance Flavors Carefully

The salad dressing is a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavors. Be sure to taste the dressing before tossing it with the cucumbers and adjust the ingredients according to your preference. If you like more spice, feel free to add more chili oil.

Let it Rest

It’s important to let the cucumber salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step also ensures the salad is served cold and refreshing.

Store Leftovers Properly

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cucumber salad tastes best when consumed within a day or two.

How Many Calories are in Din Tai Fungs Cucumber Salad?

Nutrition Facts

2-4 servings per recipe

Calories: 80

  • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 1750mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Added Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 1g

What Drinks Pair Best with Din Tai Fung’s Cucumber Salad?

Wine pairing: A Riesling would be a suitable wine pairing for this salad as it pairs well with Asian cuisine and the crisp acidity and slight sweetness of the Riesling would complement the saltiness, sweetness, and spiciness of the dish.

Beer pairing: A good beer pairing for Din Tai Fung’s Famous Cucumber Salad would be a German-style Saison or a Belgian Witbier. These styles complement the refreshing and light flavors of the cucumber and the sesame oil, and the effervescence of the beer will cut through the acidity of the rice vinegar.

Cocktail pairing: Cocktail Pairing: A refreshing Gin and Tonic would complement the cucumber salad perfectly. The crispness of the gin and the bitterness of the tonic water would balance the salty, sweet, and tangy flavors of the salad. Add a slice of cucumber as a garnish for an extra pop of flavor.

How to Make Din Tai Fungs Cucumber Salad

How to make Din Tai Fungs Cucumber Salad

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Ingredients

  • 2 English cucumbers
  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp Sesame oil
  • 1/2 tbsp Chili oil (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp Soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers and thinly slice them discarding the two end pieces.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add salt and sugar, followed by rice vinegar, and mix well.
  3. Add minced garlic, sesame oil, chili oil (if using), and soy sauce to the bowl and mix well.
  4. Add the sliced cucumbers and toss them in the dressing to coat well.
  5. Place the cucumber salad in the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the cucumber salad.
  7. Enjoy the delicious ‘Din Tai Fung’s Famous Cucumber Salad’!

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